Attorney Greg Owen, of the Los Angeles law firm Owen, Patterson & Owen, will represent Frank Shoenwald and Rosette Shoenwald. Owen plans to demonstrate that harmful effects of diesel gas and that the alleged negligence on the part of the defendants caused his client’s serious health problems. Mr. Shoenwald has owned, operated and maintained diesel vehicles during the last 30 years. He has ingested large amounts of diesel exhaust while driving and maintaining his diesel vehicles and is now suffering from the effects of exposure to diesel gas exhaust fumes.

As a result of the alarming announcement on June 12, 2012 by the World Health Organization (WHO) that diesel engine fumes can cause cancer in humans and belong in the same potentially deadly category as asbestos, arsenic and mustard gas, millions worldwide will now be alerted to the serious health risks in breathing in diesel gas fumes.

Symptoms of exposure to diesel gas fumes vary. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment website states, “Exposure to diesel exhaust can have immediate health effects. Diesel exhaust can irritate the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, and it can cause coughs, headaches, lightheadedness and nausea. In studies with human volunteers, diesel exhaust particles made people with allergies more susceptible to the materials to which they are allergic, such as dust and pollen. Exposure to diesel exhaust also causes inflammation in the lungs, which may aggravate chronic respiratory symptoms and increase the frequency or intensity of asthma attacks.”

Owen stated, “We have long known that diesel gas fumes cause a variety of symptoms and serious health problems. But now WHO has confirmed what many have suspected all along–that diesel gas fumes are highly toxic and can cause cancer.”

People possibly most affected by diesel exhaust fumes include, but not limited to, truck drivers, homeowners living next to freeways, firemen, construction workers, military and boat pilots. According to WHO, almost anyone exposed to diesel exhaust fumes is at risk. As noted in the press release issued by the WHO, Dr Christopher Portier, Chairman of the IARC working Group, stated that “The scientific evidence was compelling and the Working Group’s conclusion was unanimous: diesel engine exhaust causes lung cancer in humans.” Dr Portier continued: “Given the additional health impacts from diesel particulates, exposure to this mixture of chemicals should be reduced worldwide.”

About Owen, Patterson & Owen

The law firm of Owen, Patterson & Owen have successfully represented a variety of personal injury cases ranging from auto accidents to wrongful death. Serving clients nationwide and headquartered in Los Angeles, they represent their clients with a unique combination of sensitivity and aggressiveness. Recent cases include a $3.2 million lawsuit settlement in Denise Herron v. Nederander Greek and representation of the alleged sexually victimized Miramonte Children in personal injury lawsuits. For more information, please visit http://www.opolaw.com/cases/diesel-exhaust-lung-cancer or call 866.654.4947.